Pride of Reading Entrepreneur of the Year award for publican Andy Becalick

Andy Beckalick and his wife Bee collect the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Chris Tarrant and Demelza Fryer-Saxby and Kimberley Tabeart from sponsor hibu

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A man who transformed two of Reading’s pubs into popular eating and drinking destinations and made-over two others is lifting a glass after winning the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Andy Becalick’s company Spirit House Ltd owns The Moderation, in Caversham Road and The Warwick Arms, in King’s Road, Central Reading. He recently re-opened the Queen’s Head on Christchurch Road, Katesgrove, and has previously given The Lyndhurst a fresh burst of life. And it was Mr Becalick’s dedication to good ale and quality food that led him to be nominated by a fan who wished to remain anonymous.

“Andy has transformed The Moderation and The Warwick into great pubs with great food. Previously he has also re-invigorated The Lyndhurst. He recently re-opened the Queen’s Head and am sure, like his other pubs, it will be a success.” The Moderation’s make-over resulted in the stylish look it has today both inside and in the rear garden. It offers a choice of real ales plus a lunchtime and evening menu which includes an Asian twist. The Warwick has become a favourite for fans of Thai food with offers on most days and still the choice of ale to have with a meal as well as a good wine list. The Lyndhurst, on the corner of Watlington Street and Queens Road, is now under new management, and Mr Becalick and his team have worked their make-over magic at The Queen’s Head.

Mr Becalick, on receiving his award, said: “I’m absolutely speechless. I have no idea why I have got this – there are lots of other entrepreneurs working in Reading.

“I suppose I am a bit more visible than others. I am absolutely delighted.” He said he would put the award in one of his bars, although he was not sure which one.

Demelza Fryer-Saxby of sponsor hibu said: “We are delighted that a small business like Andy’s pub empire has won. These businesses are the lifeblood of the community in Reading.”

Entrepreneur of the Year

hibu – the new name for a new Yell – is the digital services provider headquartered at One Reading Central and is proud to be supporting the Pride of Reading awards for the eighth year running.

Kimberley Watts-Fitzsimmons, corporate social responsibility manager, said: “The ‘Entrepreneur’ category is always a popular category and we are pleased to continue to champion Reading business people of the future and help communities thrive. hibu has always supported start-ups and small businesses and we are proud of the contribution we make to local economies.

“The Pride of Reading awards is a very special event that rewards some of the local people who go the extra mile in their communities, either in their work or their spare time.

“Many hibu people regularly get involved with entrepreneurial, charitable, environmental or educational projects in the Berkshire area – including launching a Red Balloon Learner Centre in Reading.